This third instalment of David Solomon’s overview series of Jewish History explores the years between 500 and 1000 CE, known as the period of the Geonim.
#108 The Messianic Idea in Jewish History (3)
David Solomon explores the post-Talmudic period to the Renaissance in the third lecture of his series “The Messianic Idea in Jewish History.”
David discusses:
- The emergence of ‘the Midrashic Messiah’
- The concept of the false messiah
- The disappointment of Bar Kokhba
- The influence of Islam on the messianic idea
- Spiritual messianism
- The impact of the Spanish Inquisition and Expulsion on Jewish messianism
- Other messianic movements.
He examines several messianic figures, including:
- Nehemiah ben Ḥushiel
- David Alroy
- Avraham Abulafia
- Shlomo Molcho and David Ha Reuveni.
David also explores different messianic types, including:
- The ‘classic’ Rabbinic messiah
- Ishmaelic and Edomic models.
And discusses various ideas of messianic manifestations through Jewish history, including the messiah:
- as warrior
- as king
- as magician
- as persecuted
- as kabbalist and wonder worker
- as penitent
- with a plan.
David examines passages from key Jewish texts which chart discussions about the concept and role of the messiah. He also provides historical context to the people, events, and developments mentioned throughout the lecture.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:50 — 60.5MB)
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#88 Which Period of Jewish History is Most Similar to Our Own?
In this lecture, David Solomon explores which period of Jewish history most resembles the present age. He emphasises that making meaningful comparisons requires qualifying terms and examining key considerations that shaped each era’s dynamics. David outlines relevant factors regarding geopolitics, governance, land control, exile status, spiritual leadership, and ethical behaviour. By analysing periods against these criteria, one can thoughtfully discuss historical parallels, beyond superficial dinner table assertions.
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#31 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 1)
During the 6th and 7th centuries, Jewish populations were centred in territories ruled by the Sassanian, Byzantine and the Western Roman empires. In this podcast episode, David Solomon examines how Jewish life unfolded during these two centuries. He explores the changing fortunes of the renowned Jewish academies of Sura and Pumbedita; the role and status of the Jewish exilarch over generations; the brief existence of a semi-independent Jewish State in Jerusalem; and the rise and fall of Jewish communal safety throughout the generations.
Continue reading “#31 The Geonic Period: Jewish History of the 6th to 10th Centuries (part 1)”